Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind environmental sustainability challenge on Monday, May 8.

 

BXEDC representatives said the Bronx Green Action Challenge will award up to $1 million to a Bronx-based college or university for the development and implementation of a project or set of projects that improve campus sustainability, and reduce that institution’s environmental footprint. They said higher education is one of the borough’s strongest and fastest growing industries, with 12 Bronx colleges and universities serving 50,000 students.

 

According to BXEDC, the grant will support improvements in one or more of the following areas: energy production, waste management, food sourcing, green space, transportation, and water. BXEDC officials said funding for the program will be provided by the New York Power Authority.

 

In the context of the announcement, Gibson said, “We’re working to make The Bronx even better for residents, businesses and tourists and the environment is key to a better borough. Our colleges and universities contribute to the vibrancy of our communities in many ways and with The Bronx Green Challenge we will help them do more for the environment too.” Representatives of the initiative said colleges or universities that apply for the grant are encouraged to partner with community-based organizations to expand the initiative’s impact beyond the campus.

 

According to BXEDC representatives, the program was developed by BXEDC as a creative way to enhance and further economic development in the borough. Rob Walsh is interim president of BXEDC and said, “Many of our colleges and universities are already making conscious efforts to minimize their environmental impact. Our hope is to use this initiative to highlight some of the work they are already doing and spark their creativity to do more.

 

Walsh added, “It will also signal that our organization is committed to being a strong partner in that effort.” BXEDC is accepting nominations through October and the winner of The Bronx Green Challenge will be announced in November.